Sumo shohin Japanese maple

[davetree]

Here is my short maple. The base is about 4 to 5 inches across. The roots under the soil spread about 7 inches. This tree grows constantly in the hottest weather and the leaves stay perfect. What kind of pot would you use for this tree when it's ready ?

 

[davetree]

Here is a close up shot. Cut back and wire next March.

 

[davetree]

Goddamn iPhone. I have no idea why that pic turned out upside down. Anyone ?

 

[Kevster]

Fixed

 

[JudyB]

I could see this in a lot of different pots. I would do a glazed... maybe a green/turquoise muted coloration, and for some reason, I'm seeing a square pot in my head... probably because it's a strong trunk.

I would have a lot of fun pot shopping for this one.

 

[davetree]

Can you tell this ignoramus how you fixed it ? Thx

 

[MACH5]

I really like this little guy Dave! Very nice. Can you show us pics of how you treated the cut on the back?

I agree with Judy. I see this tree in a square glazed pot as well and not too shallow either since its got such a strong, masculine feel. But I suppose an oval would work as well just depends on what type.

 

[davetree]

I'll take a pic tomorrow of the back and show you. I purchased this as a small stump with almost no roots and the top sawed straight off. I carved the back with a die grinder and weasel bit because the wood was as hard as a rock. Accidentally lopped off a branch doing the carving. I have not treated the wound, I imagine it will always be there. I suppose I should seal it with something.

 

[Kevster]

Davetree
I just saved the picture to my fruit phone rotated the picture and uploaded it again. Maybe when you took it, it saved into photos upside down.

 

[MACH5]

I'll take a pic tomorrow of the back and show you. I purchased this as a small stump with almost no roots and the top sawed straight off. I carved the back with a die grinder and weasel bit because the wood was as hard as a rock. Accidentally lopped off a branch doing the carving. I have not treated the wound, I imagine it will always be there. I suppose I should seal it with something.

Dave you don't have to necessarily treat the wound. You can have the wood rot for a more naturalistic look. It will do no harm to the tree. The reason I say this it's because a wound that size will most likely never close so perhaps its best to make it look like a natural feature on the tree. However I realize this is totally up to personal taste.

I have a couple of fat, short stumps myself and I'm wondering how much carving I will end up doing.

 

[davetree]

This tree and another maple inspired me to buy a makita grinder to carve with. The wood is so hard on this tree that nothing else would really work. The weasel bit cuts like a hot knife through butter.

I know the wound will never heal. Let it rot or use a preservative on it, that is the question.